A £1m funding package had been secured by the MoD to reinstate pedestrian access over the Inglis Bridge

This decision follows extensive discussions between Catherine Fookes MP for Monmouthshire, the Ministry of Defence, Monmouthshire County Council, and the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) for Wales.

While the repair works are still in the early planning stages, the goal is to restore the bridge by the end of 2025.

Over six months have passed without a solution from the MoD and the county council now needs to approach the Welsh Office for further closure approval.

The current Emergency Closure Notice is due to expire on 3rd April.

The listed structure was closed by the MoD to vehicles in 2018 but had remained a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists, however following an inspection by the MoD last year, it has now been closed completely.

Monmouth Town Council held an emergency full council meeting last week to discuss the issue and it was decided that after hearing the views of residents, councillors were unable to agree to an extension of the footpath closure over Inglis Bridge.

The town council recognised Monmouthshire County Council’s (MCC) obligation to consider potentially extending the footpath closure but the feeling of residents is one of anger and distress at the length of time it has taken getting to this point with a complete lack of progress by the MoD.

The meeting held in Rockfield Community Centre was attended by over 40 members of the public, a number of county and town councillors, and there were significant concerns expressed about the risk of harm children are being exposed to by no longer having access to this footpath for school journeys. Children that attend Osbaston Church in Wales Primary School but reside in Rockfield can no longer use the bridge and instead need to walk on narrow pavements next to busy roads.

The footpath closure is also having an impact on residents’ mental health and wellbeing as access to a safe open green space is no longer readily available for active travel and exercise.

The town council made it clear at the meeting that their decision is not a criticism of Monmouthshire County Council but of the impact it is having on the whole of Monmouth and its residents.

The announced funding, which will be overseen by the RFCA, is part of a commitment to address the concerns of the local community and ensure the bridge can once again serve pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists.

On news of the funding package, Leader of MCC Mary Ann Brocklesby said: “I am delighted that the money has been found to refurbish Inglis Bridge. The Monmouth community should feel rightly proud that their persistence in demanding a swift reopening has been met in full. We will all look forward to crossing the bridge safely once again.”

Catherine Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire, said: “This is fantastic news for our community. Inglis Bridge has long been a vital route for local residents, whether it’s for families and children, cyclists, disabled people, or dog walkers. Re-opening Inglis Bridge has been one of my main campaigns since becoming MP, and through extensive lobbying of the Government, I’m grateful that we have secured this vital funding to restore pedestrian access. I will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the project progresses smoothly and on schedule. Thank you to everyone who shared their concerns. Through a massive team effort, we’ve secured this crucial funding."

The MOD has confirmed the intent to have Inglis Bridge reopened by the end of the year, and officials involved in the refurbishment will continue to keep the public informed as the project develops.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “The bridge is a listed structure which has been deteriorating for some time and a scheme to refurbish it has been approved.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that the bridge closure has caused for local communities, but public safety is the priority.”